Day 73: Long Sutton to North Petherton
📏 Distance: 19.30 miles (31.21 km)
🌦️ Weather: Heavy rain in the morning, dry in the afternoon
🕘 Start Time: 09:03 | Finish Time: 17:06
What a morning! Almost as soon as I left the campsite, the heavens opened. Full wet-weather gear was essential as I trudged through relentless, heavy showers that were around for most of the morning.
The next challenge came in the form of non-existent footpaths. What should have been a clear trail was so overgrown it reached chest height in places. With broken stiles and the joy of climbing over a barbed wire fence (not recommended!), I eventually abandoned the route and made my way back to the road for a more predictable tarmac walk.
A bright spot in the damp morning came at Barrowbridge, where I came across the King Alfred Inn. Sophie, Adam, and Tycian couldn’t have been more welcoming. They dried my soaked gear and provided soup and a drink. Huge thanks to them for their kindness and hospitality.
While warming up at the pub, I received a lovely surprise: a text from my friend Kay letting me know the Oxford Mail is interested in doing an article on the walk. I had a long chat with the reporter, Matt, and will be sending him our press release, some photos, and a copy of the journey schedule. Since he already has access to this webpage, he can see the progress we've made over the last 73 days—quite the story!
Thankfully, the rain cleared in the afternoon, and I made steady progress following the River Parrett for many a mile.
On the final stretch into North Petherton, I met Phil Ballie, a local out for a stroll. We ended up walking into the village together, chatting along the way. It was really nice to have some company to round off the day—thanks for your time and stories, Phil!
Tonight’s highlight came at the campsite. Del, the site’s security manager, recommended the local Chinese takeaway. Knowing I’d walked 19 miles, he kindly offered to drive us there and back—an offer we gratefully accepted. To top it off, his partner, who keeps bees, gifted us two jars of homemade honey and wouldn’t take a penny for them. That money will go into the charity collection bucket. Thank you so much, Del, for your generosity and support.
Tomorrow is a shorter day—just 10 miles, thank goodness! I plan to set off early as the forecast predicts rain and thunderstorms later. Fingers crossed for a dry start…
